Goal-Oriented Intervention
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-oriented and planned intervention in which a dog that meets predefined suitability criteria is an integral part of the therapeutic process. It is delivered by a qualified professional within their professional field, in collaboration with a therapy team consisting of a trained handler and dog.
In Animal-Assisted Therapy, specific goals are defined in advance for each individual, and activities are adapted to their needs, abilities and capabilities. Progress is systematically monitored and documented.
Therapy is generally a longer-term process carried out over multiple sessions, allowing the established goals to be achieved gradually.
How Does It Work?
Therapy can be delivered individually or in a group, depending on the participants’ needs and the goals of the therapy.
Activities are planned to include the dog as an important motivational and therapeutic element. The participant may pet, groom, lead or observe the dog, or carry out various tasks and exercises with the dog. These activities can help develop and strengthen a range of abilities, including:
- physical and motor skills,
- communication and social skills,
- attention, concentration and memory,
- emotional expression and emotional regulation,
- independence and a sense of competence,
- motivation to participate in therapeutic activities.
Professional Team and Measuring Progress
Each person involved has a specific role. The professional defines and guides the therapeutic goals and monitors the participant’s progress, while the therapy team contributes its expertise and works with the dog to support the achievement of these goals.
Therapy is delivered by a therapy team (trained handler and therapy dog) together with a professional employed by the institution, who contributes to planning and delivering the therapy within their professional field.
The aim of Animal-Assisted Therapy is not simply to provide pleasant contact with an animal, but to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The dog is part of the planned process and, through its presence, behaviour and participation in activities, supports the professional in working with the participant. The effectiveness of the therapy is assessed based on progress towards the established goals.
How Long Does It Last and Where Does It Take Place?
An individual session lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, with the duration adapted to the participant, their abilities, the goals of the session and the dog’s well-being.
Mandatory breaks are provided for the dog during each session, as the dog’s well-being is just as important as the participant’s.
Animal-Assisted Therapy is delivered in institutions that have a cooperation agreement with the PET Institute and where qualified professionals trained in Animal-Assisted Therapy are present.
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